Amusement device



Jan. 30, 1945. J. A. BREWER AMUSMENT DEVICE Filed May 1, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR.

Jan. 30, 1945. L A BREWER 2,368,088

AMUSEMENT DEVI CE Filed May l, 1944 3 Sheets-Shee'k 2 N V EN TOR, :fa/.ew @Ffa/fg Jan. 30, 1945.A J. A. BREWER AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed May 1, 1944 3 sheets-shea 3 cfa/mf l YMCM/ IN VEN TOR. PfWf/P Patented Jan. 30, 1945 AMUSEMENT DEVICE John A. Brewer, Kalamazoo, Mich., assignor of one-half to Howard W. Armstrong, Kalamazoo,

Application May 1, 1944, Serial No. 533,464

2o claims. (Cl. 278-161) illustrated lin the accompanying drawings, in

which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an amusement device embodying the features of my invention. Fig. 2 is a view mainly in vertical section of a structure embodying my invention taken on a line'corresponding to line 2--2 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view mainly vin horizontal section on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal Section on line 4-4 of 4 Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentaryl section corresponding to that of Fig. 2 with the raceway member in its forwardly tilted or actuated position.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of a modified form or embodiment of my invention which in addition to having a movable head member, inclu-des a movable arm.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view. mainly in vertical section on line l-l of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary front elevation fur-z ther illustrating the details of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 particularly the movable arm element and the operating means therefor.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section corresponding tov that of Fig. 3.

Fig. l() is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating details of the support for the head member supporting rod.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a head member and support therefor.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view partially in vertical section on line I2-I2 of Fig. 13 of a slightly rnodiied form or embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 13 is a horizontal section on'line I3,I3

of Fig. 12.

The embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive comprises abase I having a chamber 2 therein. The housing in this embodiment illustrated comprises a lower section 3' of opaque material, preferably cylindrical, the lower edge of which is seated in an annular groove 4 in the base. This lower section or wall member 3 is provided with a top plate 5 shouldered at 6 to receive the transparent domed top housing member 1, the lower edge of which seats in the shoulder 6. A bust-like body figure 8 is mounted on the top portion 5, this being preferably molded of papier-mch or other material to simulate a bust.

The head member 9 is of suitable character, also preferably molded, and this head member is supported on the rod-like support I0 extending through the opening II in the top of the body member and supported for pendulum swinging and rotative movement by means of the elastic I2 which is stretched across the opening I I as is clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 10. The pendulum swinging motion is indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2. The elastic support permits rotative oscillating movement which is indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3, the rod-like support terminating in a laterally turned arm I3 which is clearly s hown in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 11.

The rod has a concentric weight I4 which Y counterbalances the weight of 4the head and also tends to hold the rod inl vertical position and bring it to a state of rest in a relatively short time. The rod extends through an opening I5 in the top plate 5 of the lower housing member. Below the rod is a platform-like way member IS of such dimensions as to be tiltable within the housing, this being pivoted at I'l on the brackets I8.

The way member is Weighted at I8I so that it normally tilts to a rearward position, as shown in Fig. 2. In its actuated or forwardly tilted position, the way member is brought into engagement with the suction cup I9 which is yieldably mounted on the support 20. This suction cup acts to temporarily hold the Way member in its forwardly tilted position. The lever 2| pivoted at 22 is provided for manually tilting the `way member to the position shown in Fig. 4. A

spring 23 returns the lever to its normal or unactuated position as shown in Fig. 2. The way member is provided with ribs 24, 25 which form ways 26 and 21 and with a further circular vrib .2S which serves as a guard for the rear ends of the ways 26 and 2l. A

The way member is preferably provided with recesses IBI each adapted to receive the ball 3Q and further adding to the unpredictable `course of the ball. These are arranged in advance of the directing member 29 which is positioned at the front end of the ways 26 and 21 so that the ball 3U may be directed into either of the ways 26 and 21. When the ball reaches the rear ends of these ways, it jumps over the guard. However, when the way member is tilted to the forward position shown in Fig. 4, the ball travels around the guard between the guard and the housing wall which coact in effect to provide return ways 3|. When the ball is guided in its travel by the way 2G it comes into contact with the lower end of the supporting rod Il), setting up a pendulurn-like motion which causes thehead to rock back and forth in a rod or ailirmative gesture. When the ball travels the way 21 it comes into contact with the arm |3, causing the head to oscillate rotatively kor in a negative manner.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. l to 5 inclusive, the body member 8 is provided with an opening 32 in which the transparent spherical member 33 is seated, this representing a crystal to simulate the thought that the gure is a crystal-gazer or is reading the crystal. This is illuminated by means of the lamp 34 which is seated in the base and connected to .a source of electrical supply, as the battery 35. the lamp being controlled by'means of the switch .36 coacting with the contact 31, thefswitch and the contact being suitably electrically connected to the lamp.

The switch is automatically closed when the way member is in its forwardly tilted position and is automatically opened when the way member is released by the suction cup and tilts to .a rearward position.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. 6, the body member 38 is provided, with a sleeve simulating portion |38 which Vserves as .a housing for the spring arm 52 which has a hand simulating portion 53 holding a gavel simulating portion or part 54. The spring arm k52 is secured at 55 so that the spring arm may vibrate within the spring simulating housing |38. The spring arm is placed under spring stress by Ameans ofthe tappet rod 56 which projects through and is `guided by the hole 51 in the part 5. This tappet rod is connected at 58 to the way member so lthat in the embodiment illustrated, when the way member is tilted forwardly by means .of the lever 2| .the spring arm `is released and inasmuch as it .has been held under spring stress by the tappet the arm vibrates thus giving the eiect of a gavel being used.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive, the way member has an outer annular lrib 59, the way members 28 being intermediate and the waymembers .24 which correspond .to those of the structure described beinginner way members. A ramp 6.0 .is provided to insure that the ball 3l) will complete its travel and get into the return way. The movable arm element adds considerably to the interest of the device.

In the modication shown in Figs. 6 to l2, the body member 38 and the coacting head 39 are designed to simulate a judge. The transparent element 33 and .lamp are omitted.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the structure is somewhat simplified in that the way member 40 is pivoted at 4| so as to remain in either position into which it may be tilted. The ball 30 is guided by the ribs 42 and 43 which provide ways 44 and 45, .there being a directing member 46 at each end of these ways. The way 44 guides the ball into engagement with the supporting rod to cause a pendulum-like movement lber oppositely will secure the same result.

while the way guides the ball into engagement with the arm to cause the rotative movement. In this embodiment the way member is provided with a nger piece 41 extending through a slot 48 in the housing so that the way member may be tilted to the position shown by dotted lines, assuming the ball to be in the position shown by full lines, and the ball will travel to the posltion shown bydotted lines, and during its travel, either causing the negative or aiiirmative motion of the head. The tilting of the way mem- In this case, there is not the lapse of time to interest that is present in the other embodiments but it is unpredictable as to whether the head will be moved'in an -amrmative manner or in a negative manner. In this embodiment, the bottom Wall member is opaque, the transparent wall member 50 embracing the member 49. This permitsthe opaque wall member to be ornamented as by vpaneling, indicated at 5|, to represent a judicial bench or the like.

vIf desired, my improved amusement device may be manipulated in accordance with a set of rules which mayadd considerable variation in playing a. game. However, it is evident that the game or the rules or the manner of manipulating the device according to predetermined conditions may be greatly varied.

I have `illustrated and described my invention ,in a highly practical embodiment thereof. I

have .not .attempted to disclose various modications and adaptations as it is believed that this disclosure will` enable those skilled in the art to .embody or adapt my invention as may be desired. While the gures simulate human beings, it will be appreciated that animals may be simulated, if desired, and thus perhaps add to the interest of the toy or amusement device, par- .ticularly for children.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an amusement device, the combination of a. housing comprising a base, a cylindrical opaque lower Wall member and a transparent cylindrical domed upper wall member, a bustlke 'figure body member and a head member therefor, said lbody member being mounted on said lower wall member Within the upper member, a concentrically weighted supporting rod for said head member projecting through said body .member and having a lateral arm at its lower end, an elastic support for said rod whereby .it is supported for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movements, a way member pivote'd within said lower wall member below said `rod and weighted to normally tilt rearwardly, said way member being provided with ways anda directing member at their front ends and guards for the rear ends of said ways, said guards providing return ways on said way member, a manually operable means for tilting said way vmember forwardly, a suction cup disposed below said way member to be engaged therewith when the way member is tilted forwardly, said suction cup being adapted to temporarily hold the '-way member in such position, and a ball freely movable on said way member except a-s its course 'is directed by said ways and guards and directing member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the rod whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and the otherito direct the ball into engagement with the arm thereof whereby the rod is actuated with a rotative oscillating movement. 2. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing comprising a base, a cylindrical opaque lower wall member and a transparent cylindrical domed upper wall member, a bust-like figure body member and a head member therefor, said body member being mounted on said lower wall member within the upper member, a concentrically weighted supporting rod for said head member projecting through said body member and having a lateral arm at its lower end, an elastic support for said rod whereby it is supported for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movements, a way member pivoted within said lower wall member below said rod and weighted to normally tilt rearwardly, said way member being provided with ways and a directing member at their front ends and guards for the rear ends of said ways, said guards providing return ways on said way member, a manually operable means for tilting said way member forwardly, means acting to temporarily hold the way member in such position, and a ball freely movable on said way member except as its course is directed by said ways and guards and directing member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the rod whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and the other to direct the ball into engagement with the arm thereof whereby the rod is actuated with a rotative oscillating movement.

3. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing comprising a chambered base, a cylindrical opaque lower wall member and a transparent cylindrical domed upper wall member, a bust-like figure body member and a head member therefor, said body member being mounted on said lower wall member within the upper member and having an opening in the front thereof adapted to receive a light transmitting sphere, a concentrically weighted supporting rod for said head member projecting through said body member and having a lateral arm at its lower end, an elastic support for said rod whereby it is supported for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movements, a way member pivoted within said lower wall member below said rod and weighted to normally tilt rearwardly, said way member being provided with ways and a directing member at their iront ends and guards for the rear ends of said ways, said guards providing return ways on said way member, a manually operable means for tilting said way member forwardly, means acting to temporarily hold the way member in such position, a ball freely movable on said way member except as its course isl directed by said ways and guardsand directing member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the rod whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and the other to direct the ball into engagement with the arm thereof whereby the rod is actuated with a rotative oscillating movement, a light transmitting sphere seated in said opening at the front of said body member, an illuminating lamp for said sphere mounted in said base, said way member having openings for the passage of light to said sphere, and a switch for said lamp positioned to be closed by the forward tilting of the way member and to be opened by the rearward tilting thereof.

4. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing, associated figure body and head .members, a weighted supporting rod for said head member projecting from said body member and having a lateral arm at its lower end, an elastic support for said rod whereby it is supported for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member disposed below'said rod and provided with a plurality of ways and directing means associated therewith, means for tilting said way member in one direction, a suction cup disposed to be engaged therewith when the way member is tilted in said one direction, said suction cup being adapted to temporarily hold the way member in such tilted position, said way member automatically tilting in the opposite direction when released by said suction cup, and a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the rod wherebyit is oscillated with a pendulum movement and another to direct the ball into engagement with the arm thereof whereby the rod is actuated with a rotative oscillating movement.

5. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing, associated gure body and head members, a weighted supporting rod for said head member projecting from said body member and having a lateral arm at its lower end, said rod being supported for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member disposed below said rod and provided with a plurality of ways and directing means associated therewith, means for tilting said way member in one direction, means acting to temporarily hold the way member in such tilted position, said way member automatically tilting in the opposite direction when released by said suction cup, and a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the rod whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and another to direct the ball into engagement with the arm thereof whereby the rod is actuated with a rotative oscillating movement.

6. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing, associated ligure body and head members, a weighted supporting rod 'for said head member projecting from said body member and having a lateral arm at its lower end, said rod being supported for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member disposed below said rod and provided with a plurality of waysv and directing means associated therewith, means for tilting said way member in one direction, means acting to temporarily hold the way member in such tilted position, said way member automatically tilting in the opposite direction when released by said suction cup, a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the rod whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and another to direct the ball into engagement with the arm thereof whereby the rod is actuated with a rotative o-scillating movement, a light transmitting element associated with said body member, an illuminating lamp for said element, and a switch for said lamp associated with said way member to be closed when the way member is actuated and to be opened when it moves to retracted position.

7. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing, a gure Ibo-dy and head members, a supporting rod for said head member mounted for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movements and having a lateral arm at its lower end, away member mounted to automatically tilt in one direction, manually operable means for tilting said way member in the oppositedirection, a suction cup disposed to be engaged with `said yway member when it is tilted and adapted to temporarily hold the way member in such position, a ball movable on said Way member and unpredictably directed in its course by ways ci the said way member, one of said ways being vpositioned to direct the ball into engagement with `the rod whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and the other to engage the arm thereof whereby the rod is actuated with a rotative oscillating movement, a light transmitting element associated with said gure members, an illuminating lamp therefor, and a switch for said lamp positioned to be closed and opened with the tilting of said way member in opposite directions.

8. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing, a iigure body and head members, a supporting rod for said head member mounted for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movements .and having a lateral arm at its lower end, a way member mounted to automatically tilt in one direction, manually operable means for tilting said way member in the opposite direction, a suction cup disposed to be engaged with said way member when it is tilted and adapted to temporarily hold the way member in such position, and a ball movable on said way member and unpredictably directed in its course by ways of the said way membenlone of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the rod whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and the other to engage the arm thereof when the rod is actuated with a7:y

rotative oscillatory movement.

9. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing, an actuated member, a support therefor mounted for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movements, a tiltable way member, a suction cup disposed :to be engaged with and temporarily hold said way member in one position, and a ball movable on said way member and unpredictably directed in its course by ways thereon, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the said support whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and the other to engage it to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement.

10. In an amusement device, the combination of a housing, an actuated member, a support therefor mounted for pendulum swinging and rotative oscillatory movements, a tiltable way member, and a ball movable on said way member and unpredictably directed in its course by ways thereon, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the said support whereby it is oscillated with a pendulum movement and the other to engage it to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement.

ll. In an amusement device, the combination of figure body and head members, a weighted support for said head member supported for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member provided with a plurality of ways and directing means associated therewith, a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with said support to actuate it with a pendulum movement and another to direct the ball into engagement therewith to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement, means for manually tilting said way member in one direction, means adapted to temporarily hold said yway member in such tilted position, said Way member automatically tilting in the opposite direction when released by said suction cup, a light transmitting element associated with said body member, an illuminating lamp for said `element, and a switch for said lamp positioned to be closed by the tilting ofV said way member from its temporarily retained position and to be opened by the opposite tilting thereof.

12. In an amusement device, the combination of figure body and head members, a weighted support for said head member supported for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member provided with a plurality of ways and directing means associated therewith, a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the said support to actuate it with a ypendulum movenient and another to direct the ball into engagement therewith to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement, means for manually tilting said way member in one direction, and means adapted to temporarily hold said way member in such tilted position, said way member automatically tilting in the opposite direction when released by said means.

13. In an amusement device, the combination of gure body and head members, a weighted support for said head member supported for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member provided with a plurality of ways and directing means associated therewith, and a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with the said support to actuate it with a pendulum movement and another to direct the ball into engagement therewith to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement.

14. In an amusement device, the combination of figure body and head members, said body member including a sleeve simulating element, a spring arm element disposed within said sleeve simulating member and provided with exposed hand and gavel simulating parts, a support for said head member mounted for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member provided with a plurality of ways and directing means associated therewith, a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with said head support to actuate it with a pendulum movementl and another to direct the ball into engagement therewith to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement, means for manually tilting said way member in one direction, means acting to temporarily hold said way member in such tilted position, said way member automatically tilting in the opposite direction when released by said temporarily holding means, and a tappet carried by said way member and operatively associated with said spring arm element to engage the same and place said element under spring stress when said way member is in its retracted position, said tappet being retracted by the manual actuation of said way member permitting the said spring arm element to vibrate as a result of the spring tension stored therein and thereby oscillate said gavel simulating part.

l5. In an amusement device, the combination of figure body and head members, a spring arm element, a support for said head member mounted for pendulum` swinging and rotating oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way intermediate way elements, and ball positioning member provided with a plurality of w-ays and directing means associated therewith, a ball on said -way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with said head support to actuate it with a pendulum movement and Ianother to direct the ball into engagement therewith to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement, means for manually tilting said member in one direction, means acting to temporarily hold said way member in such tilted position, said way member automatically tilting in the opposite direction when'released by said temporary holding means, and means actuated by said way member and operatively associated with said spring arm element to engage the same and place said element under spring stress when said way member is in its retracted position, said tappet being retracted bythe manual actuation of said wai7 member permitting the said spring arm element to vibrate as a result ofthe spring tension stored therein.

16. In an amusement device, the combination of gure body and head members, a spring arm element, a support for said head member mounted for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movement, a tiltably mounted way member provided with a plurality of ways and directing means associated therewith, a ball on said way member, one of said ways being positioned to direct the ball into engagement with said head supportl to actuate it with a pendulum movement and another to direct the ball into engagement therewith to actuate it with a rotative oscillating movement, and means actuated by said way member and operatively associated with said spring arm element to engage the same and place 'said element under spring stress when said way member is in one position and releasing it when the way member is actuated to opposite position.

17. In an amusement device,the combination oi p an actuated member, a. support therefor mounted for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movements, a tiltable way member provided with a plurality of raised way elements including an annular outer way, and segmental intermediate way elements concentrically disposed relative to said outer way element and parallel inner way elements arranged within said intermediate way elements, there being a ramp at the rear of said recesses at the front of said intermediate and inner way elements, ball directing means at the front ends of said inner and intermediate way elements and at the rear of said recesses, and a ball on said way member, said several way elements and positioning recesses and directing means coacting to unpredictably determine the course of said ball into actuating engagement with said support for said actuated member.

18. In an amusement device, the combination of an actuated member, a support therefor mounted for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movements, a tiltable way member provided with a plurality of raised way elements including an annular outer way, and segmental intermediate way elements concentrically disposed relative to said outer way element and parallel inner way elements arranged within said intermediate way elements, and ball positioning recesses at the front of said intermediate and inner way elements, and a ball on said way member, said several way elements and positioning recesses and directing means coacting to unpredictably determine the course of said ball into actuating engagement with said support for said actuated member.

19. In an amusement device, the combination of an actuated member, a support therefor mounted for pendulum swinging and rotating oscillatory movements, a tiltable way member provided with a plurality of ways, ball positioning recesses at the front of said ways, ball direct-` ing means at the front ends of said ways and at the rear of said recesses, and a ball on said way member, said ways and positioning recesses and directing means coacting to unpredictably determine the' course of said 4ball into actuating engage-ment with said support for said actuated member. i

20. In an amusement device, the combination of an actuated member, a support therefor mounted for pendulum swinging and oscillatory movements, a tiltable way member provided with a plurality of ways, ball positioning recesses at the front of said ways, and a ball on said way member, said ways and positioning recesses coacting to unpredictably determine the course of said ball into actuating engagement withsaid support for said actuated member.

JOI-IN A. BREWER. 

